Safeguarding The Aerodrome

The term Aerodrome Safeguarding is the term used to ensure that any development on the airfield, close to, or within Blackpool Airport airspace does not impact on the operational safety of, or inhibit the airports capability to accept air traffic safely. It is the responsibility of local Councils to consult with the Airport regarding any planning applications in the area

All safeguarding enquiries should be sent to safeguarding@blackpoolairport.com.

Pre-application Charges

Blackpool Airport welcomes pre-planning application discussions on wind farm, photovoltaic / solar array and any other developments or issues that might have an impact on aerodrome safety / operations.

Examples of such items are not exhaustive but could include lighting, creation of potential bird hazards, cranes / tall equipment and other construction issues within the vicinity of or the safeguarded areas for the aerodrome.

In order that the airport authority can provide a service to a consistent and high standard, a charge is levied. This charge will also apply to small individual domestic wind turbines with a hub height of less than 15 metres or domestic roof mounted Photovoltaic panels.

All advice given is provided in good faith based on the information offered by the developers.

Advice is given without prejudice to the statutory function of Blackpool Airport in relation to the submission of a planning application.

Developments pre-application advice service£250.00 per hour*
Offshore Wind Turbine pre-application advice service£250.00 per hour*
Solar Farm pre-application advice service£250.00 per hour*
Offshore Wind Turbine assessments(estimate will be provided on application)£3000-£15000
Solar Farm assessments (estimate will be provided on application)£3000-£15000
*minimum charge £250

Crane / Tall Equipment Permits

The operation of cranes or similar tall equipment within a 6km radius of Blackpool Airport and 10 meters above ground level or that of surrounding trees or structures must be approved, in advance, by the Airport.  Applications for a Permit should be submitted a minimum of 14 days in advance of operations commencing to allow for an assessment on the impact on aviation actives and to allow for consultation with outside agencies.

Blackpool Airport manages crane permit applications via Air Portal – https://app.airportal.aero/

Operators will need to register with Air Portal before being able to submit an application. A crane operator user guide can be found here.

Crane Permit Charges

£200.00 per submission
£300.00 for short notice permit issue (less than 48 hours – subject to availability)
£400.00 for repeated no notice permit issue
£500.00 for issue of notice of non-compliance and permit issue (within 48 hours – permit subject to availability)
£75.00 for permit extension

Drone Permit Charges

No Charge

Photos courtesy of © Andy Bell Images